vegetable or canola oil, for frying ▢3 cups shredded beef, or shredded cooked chicken ▢1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese ▢½ cup salsa, store-bought or homemade ▢1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles ▢garlic salt with parsley flakes, to taste ▢pepper, to taste ▢12 6-inch corn tortillas (or flour tortillas) ▢salt, to taste
STEP-1
Preheat the oven to the warm setting or about 200°F.
STEP-2
Fill a large saucepan with about ¾ inch oil. Heat over medium heat to 375°F.
STEP-3
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt, and pepper.
STEP-4
Working with 4 tortillas at a time, spread a heaping spoonful of chicken filling along the middle of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and secure each one with a toothpick.
STEP-5
Using tongs, hold each flauta in hot oil until firm, then release to continue cooking. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes, then remove to a paper towel–lined plate and immediately season with salt.
STEP-6
Transfer flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while assembling and cooking the remaining tortillas. Serve warm with toppings.